EFF Leader Julius Malema Briefs the Media on Suspended VAT Increase
On Tuesday, EFF leader Julius Malema held a press conference to address the recent decision by the South African government to suspend the proposed increase in Value Added Tax (VAT). The decision, which was announced by Finance Minister Tito Mboweni during his budget speech last week, has been met with mixed reactions from the public. However, Malema took the opportunity to commend the government for listening to the concerns of the people and making a necessary change.
In his opening statement, Malema expressed his satisfaction with the government’s decision to suspend the VAT increase. He stated, “We are pleased to see that the government has finally listened to the cries of the people. The proposed increase in VAT would have had a devastating impact on the poor and working class, who are already struggling to make ends meet.”
The EFF leader went on to explain the party’s stance on the issue, stating that they had vehemently opposed the VAT increase from the beginning. He highlighted the fact that the increase would have had a disproportionate effect on the poor, as they spend a larger portion of their income on basic goods and services that would be subject to the tax.
Malema also took the opportunity to address the criticism that the EFF has received for their disruptive behavior during the budget speech. He defended their actions, stating that it was necessary to make their voices heard and to hold the government accountable for their decisions. He said, “We make no apologies for our actions. As the voice of the people, it is our duty to speak out against policies that will harm the most vulnerable in our society.”
The EFF leader also used the press conference to call for further action from the government. He urged them to completely scrap the proposed VAT increase and instead look at alternative ways to generate revenue. He suggested that the government should focus on recovering the billions of rands lost to corruption and wasteful expenditure, rather than burdening the poor with additional taxes.
Malema also addressed the issue of the zero-rating of certain items, such as sanitary pads, which has been a long-standing demand of the EFF. He stated that while they welcome the inclusion of sanitary pads in the zero-rated list, it is not enough. He called for the zero-rating of all basic goods and services, including bread, milk, and school uniforms, to alleviate the burden on the poor.
The EFF leader also took the opportunity to criticize the ruling party, stating that the ANC has failed to deliver on their promises to the people. He said, “The ANC has lost touch with the struggles of the people. They have become a party of the elite, who are more concerned with their own interests than the needs of the people.”
In conclusion, Malema reiterated the EFF’s commitment to fighting for the rights of the poor and working class. He stated that they will continue to hold the government accountable and push for policies that will benefit the majority of South Africans. He also urged the public to join them in their fight against injustice and inequality.
The press conference ended on a positive note, with Malema expressing his hope for a better future for all South Africans. He said, “We are a resilient nation, and we will not be defeated by the challenges we face. With the support of the people, we can create a more just and equal society for all.”
